To help you plan your hiking world tour, we’ve put together a guide to the absolute best places for hiking around the world so you can plan your hiking. 

1. Lares and Royal Inca Trail, Peru

Although we have already mentioned it, it is worth mentioning again. The Lares and Royal Inca Trail leads up to the incredible Machu Picchu. 

This trail is the best of both worlds. You have beautiful scenery to hike through. With the promise of an incredible ruin at the end. So you have something to work toward. But the journey there is just as striking and stunning.

For this hike, you can choose between a day hike. Or you can go all out and attempt the four-day hike. Whichever you choose, just remember that this can be a tricky hike. So you will need some decent gear to look after you. Check out these options to learn more.

Somewhere like the Lares and Royal Inca Trail will often be crowded with tourists. So, if you can, it’s best to go in the off-season. But, don’t disregard it because it’s popular. Places like Machu Picchu are popular for very good reasons. So this should definitely be on your hiking bucket list.

2. The Pennine Way, England

The Pennine Way in the North of England is one of the most beautiful places in the country. And that is really saying something for a country filled with beautiful villages and dramatic cities. 

The Pennine Way is an incredible 268 miles of trail. It begins in Derbyshire and continues right up to the Scottish border. You will travel across moorland and through the dramatic Yorkshire dales. If you have ever wanted to feel as though you’re in a dramatic classic novel, this is definitely the place.

If you have the time (and the energy) we also recommend adding some Scottish hiking to your itinerary. You definitely won’t regret it.

At 268 miles, we’re not expecting you to do the whole hike in one go. But, it’s worth taking the time to attempt it over a week or so. While there won’t be too many dramatic hills or mountains in your path, you will still need some good quality shoes. So make sure you have the best hiking boots you can find.

3. The Basho Wayfarer, Japan

Tokyo might be the tourist draw of Japan at the moment. But the rural landscape of Japan is absolutely something that you should not miss. 

If the romantic name hasn’t already convinced you, then the story of the trail itself will. The Basho Wayfarer is named after the poet, Basho, who trekked the trail 300 years ago. 

The trail allows you to follow in the footsteps of Basho. From the coast through the beautiful rural idylls. The trail is often dotted with beautiful cherry blossoms. So, make sure to add this to your list for a springtime hike. 

If you are a poetry fan, you can even take the works of Basho with you. You can follow his path directly. All while reading his poetry and matching his illustrations to the real thing. This is a beautiful way of reconnecting with nature. But also connecting with an artist from many centuries ago, who loved to walk.

4. Tour du Mont Blanc

This hike is a true classic. This hike will take you through the mountainous areas of France, Italy, and Switzerland. You will find yourself in mountain ranges, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys.

This hike will take you through three of the most beautiful countries in the world. All of which you will be able to observe from a great height. Anyone can travel to Europe. But not everyone can view it from the peak of a snow-capped mountain.

It is truly stunning. But, it is a long and difficult hike. So this is best left to those with a fair amount of experience. It’s important to remember that hiking is a lot more than just walking. Be sensible about how much you can do and what you need to do to stay safe.

This hike will allow you to stand on the border of two beautiful countries. This will be a surreal and uncanny experience. And definitely one not to be missed out on. 

5. Jinshanling, Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China might be the most famous monument in the world. Which does mean that it can be difficult to get to. If you go during the height of the tourist season, then you might spend more time waiting in line than hiking.

But there are some parts of the wall that are much quieter. One of these is the Jinshanling section. It isn’t as well-preserved as other, more popular, sections such as Mutianyu. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth a visit. 

This section is especially popular with hikers. Due to its beautiful mixture of wild nature and the crumbling wall. You will have much more peace from tourists. But you will likely come across a lot of other hikers. (But remember, if you want to hike up to a monument because of its history and cultural importance, then you are also technically a tourist). 

6. The Narrows, North America

North America has some of the most impressive hiking trails in the world. With its huge swathes of open land, there are national parks with a number of incredible and beautiful routes. Some of the most impressive routes are in the Zion National Park.

One of the most interesting in the Zion National Park is The Narrows. This is a 16-mile hike through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. There are stunning cliff tops and ridges. All made more memorable by their striking red and orange colors.

But the best part of this trail is that it is unique from any other on this list. This is because the trail itself is actually the Virgin River. The trail has been created by the Virgin River carving its way through the landscape and eroding away the rock. This means that you will be following an ancient and completely natural route.

7. Everest Base Camp, Nepal

If you are a beginner, or even an experienced, hiker, then the idea of Everest is going to be very intimidating. But, you don’t need to reach the summit in order to appreciate its impressive beauty. The base camp of Everest is still an incredible and challenging journey.

Just standing at the base of Everest will give you an immense sense of awe. Seeing the tallest mountain in the world and experiencing just how impressive it is will never leave you. 

So, even if you just hike up to be near this wonder of the natural world, then you have done something that few people in the world will ever have a chance to do. 

Along the route to the base camp, you will hike through beautiful villages and see some stunning scenery. This is definitely one for the hiker’s bucket list. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to appreciate the beauty of Nepal and its natural landscape.